UFC fighter Mike Swick in town, raring to meet Pacman

By Joey Villar, The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight contender Mike Swick is in the country to corner another fighter in the ONE Fighting Championship: Rise to Power on May 31 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The 33-year-old Swick, nicknamed in the UFC as "Quick" for his uncanny ability to finish opponents fast, is helping Phil Baroni, a former UFC fighter himself, train when the latter clashes with Japanese Nobutatsu Suzuki in another blockbuster fight.

Baroni had a training session with another former UFC fighter in British-Iranian Kamal Shalorus, who will fight Filipino wushu hero Eduard Folayang Team Lakay in the same fightcard in the most popular fight outfit in Asia, the night before.

And Swick was impressed with both Baroni and Shalorus.

"Phil is in his best shape. First time meeting Kamal. Great wrestler and in great shape," he said.

Swick, who has several fights that lasted less than a minute, said he would love to see Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in person.

Swick even asked The STAR if Pacquiao will grace yesterday's final day of Asian Continental Chess Championship dubbed the "Manny Pacquiao Cup" he is sponsoring for the former to have a chance to see the latter in the flesh since their hotel is also at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.

"Is Manny Pacquiao here on the final day?" Swick asked The STAR.

Unfortunately for Swick, Pacquiao had a prior commitment and was in Davao yesterday.